New Farmpower demonstrations impress

Demonstrations of the Goldacres Crop Cruiser Evolution 6000 self-propelled sprayer and Gason Para-Maxx parallelogram planter in the tough conditions in the Wheatbelt this season have been impressing local growers.

The New Farmpower dealer group has been co-ordinating a number of demonstrations for farmers in the eastern Wheatbelt.

A strong contingent recently inspected the Gason Para-Maxx in full seeding mode at the Gillett family's property near Bencubbin.

It also can sow using just tines or discs, while it offers conventional working as well.

At the Gilletts, the machine was put through its paces in a variety of soil conditions in a paddock with minimal stubble residue and rocky outcrops.

New Farmpower Merredin branch manager Will Doyle said where straw had been contained within existing furrows, the Para-Maxx's double drum coulter cut cleanly through the debris.

He said the double drum coulter pressure was sufficient to hold firm to the ground, although could have been reduced in the sandy conditions to help minimise soil push.

The machine also was worked in quite stony ground to highlight its tine depth control, which is governed by the front double drum coulter.

In this case, the tine breakout pressure was adjusted to about 280 kilograms (620 pounds) due to the conditions.

The Gason Para-Maxx's excellent ability to cut through compacted soils was well demonstrated when the machine was worked through an existing sprayer wheel track, where Nick Gillett battled to push a screwdriver into the ground.

The double drum coulter provided a clean cut and the Gason knifepoint shank tracked neatly into the opening.

The Para-Maxx features independent hydraulic adjustment on both coulters and tines.

Mr Doyle said there was some interest in the impact of the machine's high flotation trailing tyres on crop germination and while wheel track pressure was evident, the soil affected was still friable.

He said growers were pleased with the Gason Para-Maxx's build strength and design, as well as its adjustable planter widths - 250 millimetres, 300mm and 375mm with the HydraMaxx 100 and ScariMaxx 100 models and 300mm, 333mm and 375mm with the ParaMaxx 100 model.

The machine features a strong three-row frame manufactured from 150 x 150 x 9mm RHS steel and is designed to be virtually maintenance free.

Spacious framework allows generous workspace when changing implements or making adjustments, while the frame's ground contour following capabilities are enhanced by a floating hitch.

The Goldacres Crop Cruiser Evolution 6000 has been showcased to farmers at a number of locations in the eastern Wheatbelt.

Aaron Purssell, New Farmpower Merredin, said driver comfort and boom ride were given a big tick by most growers after test driving the machine, especially considering the size of spraying programs in the region and the fact some paddocks can be treated up to eight times in a 12-month period.

The Crop Cruiser 6000 is fitted with Goldacres euro-style cabin, which delivers plenty of space and comfort, and features an air-suspended swivel seat, almost 360-degree vision and ergonomically designed joystick sprayer control.

It is also available with the manufacturer's 42-metre TriTech boom, is specifically designed to control the effects of pitch, roll and yaw via a combination of springs, and shock absorbers as well as hydraulic cylinders and accumulators.

The Goldacres self-propelled sprayer is one of a few available in Australia with a factory fitted and warranty-backed 6000-litre tank, offering farmers and contractors more hectares spraying between fills. The poly tank has been custom-made to suit a new tank cradle system designed to ensure excellent weight distribution on both axles of the machine.

The Crop Cruiser Evolution 6000 is powered by a Cummins QSB 6.7L six cylinder turbo diesel engine coupled to an Allison 2500 Series five-speed auto transmission. Power is efficiently delivered to the ground via Goldacres' proprietary direct drive that features heavy duty dual reduction drive sprockets mounted in the drop legs.